Wanted: A Veteran Wide Receiver...Maybe
by DavidH22 on Aug 25, 2011 10:54 AM CDT
Email
Print
I see this morning that Miles Austin tweaked his hamstring again and is resting it. It's questionable whether he will play on Saturday, or even in the pre-season finale.
Now, Austin hasn't really demonstrated a history of injuries - at least since he's become a starter, but it's not the best news for a speedster to be hampered by a lingering hammy, is it?
According to ESPN, "[i]t is highly likely the next time"Austin...step[s] on the field will be for the Sept. 11 regular-season opener." So it seems that the Cowboys will start the season with Austin having no live pre-season experience (fwiw), and with the possibility that his hamstring problem could return at any moment, as hammys are wont to do.
It may even be possible that the team could be lining up on opening day against the Jets without Austin, which would leave an offense where Kevin Ogletree is the grizzled veteran at one receiver position and a volatile, relatively inexperienced and injury-prone Dez Bryant is the other starter. Behind those two (with a combined 55 career catches) are a couple of low draft picks in Dwayne Harris and Manny Johnson, a reality star in Jesse Holley and a few undrafted free agents.
I'm not saying that they shouldn't have cut Roy Williams, although I am still bitter about losing Crayton last year. But what's done is done. And I know the hoary arguments that "Witten is really the team's #2 receiver" and "we don't want to bring in any progress stoppers," but really - if this hamstring injury is of any severity, I don't think the offense can rely on these greenhorns to provide any sort of consistent production. And if the Cowboys are forced to start newbies at WR, you can bet opposing defenses will focus on taking out Witten. The great tight end may still get his catches, but they will likely be for short yardage under this scenario.
This has the potential to play out like the beginning of 2009, where the team had Roy Williams penciled in as a starter (and he'd already demonstrated his underacheiving abilities in 2008) and Patrick Crayton ostensibly as the other (and we all knew Crayton was never really a true #2 WR), as many worried whether the offense could replace the big-play capability of Terrell Owens. And sure enough, the passing game sputtered the first four games and the team went 2-2. Fortunately, Miraculous Miles stepped up against the Chiefs in week 5 and asserted himself as a real #1 receiver, letting Williams, Crayton and Hurd be serviceable other options. But who is the Miles Austin in the group of Ogletree, Harris, Holley et al? At least Austin showed flashes of greatness prior to his breakout season, as with his kickoff return for a TD against Seattle in the playoffs, and his 2-115-1 performance against the Packers in 2008 (as well as 2 other TD grabs that year). We haven't seen anything remotely close to that from the Cowboys' current crop of rube receivers that would give us any glimmer of hope (and don't even think that Harris's 76 yard catch and run is comparable).
In an idea world, Austin and Bryant would be one of the best receiving combos in the league. The team and we as fans have been incredibly lucky to have an undrafted free agent become a superstar and have a potential stud fall to their draft spot last year. But hamstrings and foot injuries loom large, and I am extremely nervous about having a bunch of nobodies backing them up. This isn't groundbreaking news, obviously. So the question is just as obvious - should the team starting scouring the waiver wires for young diamonds in the rough or wideouts with some experience? Does Jerry still have Terrell Owens's phone number?
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
52 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Im on the fence on this one
I don’t feel confident with this group after the starters, but yet I know other guys can possibly step up when given a chance. It’s the unknown that intregues me I guess. We have always been a team that doesn’t really rely on youth and then we give up on them. Then we get to see alot of them succeed with other teams. I am just at a point this year to run with the young no matter what happens.
"A mind focused on doubt and fear cannot focus on the journey to victory."
Rivers seemed just fine passing to no names when all his WR's went down..
Just throwing that out there
Semper Fi Do or Die
Thanks a lot Nnamdi for wasting a whole day of productivity at work and stressing me out. Now we get to destroy you twice a year and I'll call us even.
"LOL. U lost by not reading the link. KA-POW" - football mensa / clarifying to me how to maturely win a debate
by Jeremiah_24 on Aug 25, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
thats my point Jeremiah
Do you remember all the names of the guys Brees was throwing to in his first couple of years in New Orleans? Heck how many no name receivers showed up for the Colts when they had all those injuries? Romo is good enough to help make these young receivers better imo
"A mind focused on doubt and fear cannot focus on the journey to victory."
Even when Rivers wasn't throwing to starters like
Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd, and Patrick Crayton, his four “nobodies” were all between 6"1’-6"-3’, between 210-225 lbs, all went to major universities with pro-style offenses, three were relatively high draft picks (1st, 3rd and 5th) and three had already proven themselves to some extent in the NFL. Hardly any of the receivers backing up Austin and Bryant meet one or more of those criteria.
OK lets go this route then
Out of the Vet WR’s that we can still choose from who is it that we should place on the team and why hasn’t anyone else done so?
Mark Clayton
cause of his injury last season ppl are staying away from him
"This is J-Witt.......................dawwwg"
Randy Moss
If Miles isn’t ready to go by week 2
So pardon my disposition; why should I listen to a system that never listened to me?
by Furious Styles on Aug 27, 2011 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Seriously?
Three teams giving up on him in one season isn’t a giant red warning flag to stay away?
Rivers is great, he's better than Romo IMHO
but just slightly, he’s top 4 QB, Romo is 5 on my list, with big manning, brady, and brees ahead of them
What about Rodgers?
I find it pretty hard not to put him ahead of both Romo and Rivers.
So pardon my disposition; why should I listen to a system that never listened to me?
by Furious Styles on Aug 27, 2011 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions
It's too early to Panic
If the Cowboys were to sign a veteran WR today, they’d be commited to playing him in the next two preseason games rather than finding out what they have in the young recievers presently on the roster.
This is Ogletree’s third year and it seems reasonable to find out if he’ll make the jump from ST contributor to being able to significantly contribute to the offense. When better to find this out that in preseason when the games don’t count?
Harris showed he can flash when he’s playing against third corners. He totally disappeared in the Charger game. Will he flash again this week or was he a one and done?
IMO, those questions need to be addressed in the next two games. Besides, there will be some veteran recievers waived at final cuts who aren’t available today. Jumping the gun by signing someone now doesn’t give Dallas the entire FA picture for WRs who will be available should they determine that what they presently have are insufficient.
I’m also 100% sure that Dallas has its scouts evaluating every current FA as well as those on the bottom of every team’s depth chart as I’m typing this responce. Were there a current FA veteran available who is believed better than what Dallas currently has, he’d already have been signed.
Leadership is the ability to influence a man to either give his life or take the life of another willingly and with the confidence that what's asked of him is within his ability to do and that his well-being was the first priority of his superior's decision.
I worry about the hamstring injury. With the short TC and no OTA's
that could be a problem for Miles. No need to panic though. I’m sure that someone will be waived after the final cuts and we can consider a Vet WR at that time.
Wish you were here
Hey there's always TO and Randy to consider, LOL.
Wish you were here
thoght about it
but with JG’s new “style” i doubt we made a move at either one, i would love it though and TO is still in great shape but its wishful thinking IMO lol
"This is J-Witt.......................dawwwg"
I loved him while he was here too.
But they’re not going to go down that road again. Which is probably for the best.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Eh, do we really need a vet WR?
The WR depth isn’t as big a problem for this team because Witten’s role (really all the TE’s) is such a big part in Garrett’s offense, also throw in the number of expected screen passes to increase this season with a more mobile OL. There are only so many touches to go around.
Austin and Dez could both be considered #1’s, so the 3rd and 4th WR’s don’t need to be excellent (although I still have a feeling Harris will be an explosive slot receiver) just capable if they are forced to move up due to injury.
One other thing to consider is Murray’s skill set. IF he stays healthy, he could actually be considered an extra WR. My understanding was the reason Dallas took him in the 3rd was for his pass catching ability as much as his rushing.
Bottom line is I don’t see any reason to sign a vet WR right now. It would only impede the progress of the young guys. If there is a rash of injuries at the position during the season, or Ogletree/Harris play like total crap, then Dallas will likely pick up someone. For now, let’s see what Ogletree, Harris and the RB’s can bring to the table.
Doug "Fresh " Free, Cowboys' newest millionaire.
Great point on Murray.
Although it’s all just speculation at this point the fact that the team didn’t even really consider pursuing a Mason or Cotchery has to speak volumes for Murray being in the mix along with Ogletree/Harris to fill out the 3rd receiver spot.
just throwin this out there
Murray’s catching in Madden is an 81…..just saying
"This is J-Witt.......................dawwwg"
I wanted Jericho Cotchery, who looks pretty damned good over in Pitt
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 25, 2011 1:24 PM CDT reply actions
Cotch
will always be a #3 at best, yes he wouldv helped and im surprised Jerry has the money to go after Nnamdi and resigned Scandrick but not Bowen, G/T, and WR, kindv funny
"This is J-Witt.......................dawwwg"
We don't need a veteran WR
I like the young guys we have in Olgetree and Harris, those guys could do the job if either Austin or Bryant went down.
In Romo we Trust
Can't have a vet at every position
Young guys gotta learn somehow.
I hate this topic its nonsense.
This 3rd WR thing drives me nuts. He would be the fifth option at best
One or a combination of them can handle the 30 catches 300yds. The cowboys have two number top10 wr in the game. Both are big fast and strong both can be possesion or deep threat. What impact will that guy do? Austin can play slot so you just need a guy to run off his corner. Oh then you have witten best TE in the league and felix I never drop a pass 10yac Jones.
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
+1
This really only becomes an issue if Austin or Dez go down for any significant amount of time.
by H-Town Boys Fan on Aug 25, 2011 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
Having a Vet as an insurance policy is better then a 6th round pick, UFA, and a television super star
"This is J-Witt.......................dawwwg"
Just saying if either #1 goes down it could be trouble
and if that happens I see something like the 1995-1998 Cowboys, where Irvin was great and the #2 on down was utterly mediocre and the offense suffered as a result. This isn’t a “our 3rd string/slot receiver sucks” topic.
But my biggest concern, frankly, is that I have Romo and Felix on my fantasy team and I need both Austin and Dez completely healthy so that the former has good stats and defenses can’t focus on the latter.
how many teams have TWO number 1 WRs.. 4? 5?
Its a luxuary, even if one still goes down they still have felix witten and dez/austin still a formidable offense. So then the “3rd” WR because “2nd” and still is fourth option.
And like I said the young guys have to learn sometime. There is plenty of potential there only one way to see if they got “it” or not.
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
we had the 2nd best offense in 2007 and can u guess who our #1 and #2 WRs were??
Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton
"This is J-Witt.......................dawwwg"
Understood
But we’ve got 3 solid recieving TE’s, not just Novacek.
And I expect Dallas to be a MUCH better screen team this year. I expect Felix to have a monster year.
by H-Town Boys Fan on Aug 25, 2011 3:28 PM CDT reply actions
Not necessary.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
I said Randle El and I got laughed at
but i think he is perfect for what we need
speedy shifty slot guy who can play ST and run some trick plays, plus he is great in the slot
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 25, 2011 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
not like I`m prez for his fan club or anything
but it appears pretty slim pickings for vets…that could change on cut down day.
I wouldn't be against it if he can be had for cheap...
But I still don’t think we need another receiver. We need to let the young guys play.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Those two rookie Patriot tight ends
were both relatively high draft picks (2nd and 4th rounds) from great schools.
Not sure who the Cowboys version of Woodhead is…or ever was…
OK fine, let the young players who no one else wanted play…that will definitely turn around years of the Cowboys playing stupid, inconsistent football.
Murray better be their version of Woodhead.
If by Woodhead we’re talking jack of all trades that can work the slot or be a change of pace back. Or why else would they spend a 3rd on him?
Insurance is nice; but that’s all some veteran would be. Even minus Austin, Dez/Witten carrying the receiving corps is still a far more favorable situation than those mid-90’s Cowboys having to rely on Kevin/Deion/Bjornson; or Billies or Davises or Millers. That’s especially if Dez is as good as advertised, which for a guy you picked at 25 and showed such promise in his rookie season, he should be expected to be that good.
ill take the combo of tree and harris over any vet
Like I said how will you find the next Miles Austin if you don’t let these guys play. And to think because of Roy Austin almost never came to light. Thanks to having “vet” backups the only is in shambles. They never properly groomed anyone. Ill take growing pains if it leads to greater things learner from mistakes instead of a “vet” you know what you got and thats average play.
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
I am not a huge fan of picking up a vet off the streets
but neither am I very confident in giving a bunch of nobodies a chance to make the roster and play. As you say, “they” (Jerry Jones) never properly groomed anyone, and maybe it wouldn’t have killed them to use a 3rd-5th round pick on a WR that they could have groomed. And no, Isiah Stanback and Skyler Green don’t count!
or an udfa like Austin?
Draft position does not mean success
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
I hope no one thinks the Cowboys
can build a dominnat offense with undrafted free agents. They’ve lucked out with Romo and Austin, but they should still try to obtain quality young skill players in the draft.
good point
honestly, I wish we drafted Aaron Hernandez I just think he would be better than Bennett, jmo
DeMarco will be better than Woodhead, too bad we didnt snatch Wood off the PS, we should have because the Jets wanted to take Austin (remember they were going to have him in for a visit, imagine if Austin went to the Jets? disaster)
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 26, 2011 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions
It pains me to say this.
But Crayton actually is missed. I’ll admit that much. Blame Roy “Unicorn” Williams and his power to enchant Jerry in the first place.
Of course, as soon as next year, Harris will be seasoned enough to give you everything Crayton ever gave you and then some; not to mention what Murray will bring to the table as an added bonus to the passing game.
I’ll hold off panicking until I hear Austin’s injury is more serious than believed. As for him or Dez missing a game or two this year; well, the impetus would be on Felix and the o-line as a mauling run blocking unit to prove they could pick up the brunt of missing one of their best weapons in the passing game.
LOL unicorn?
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 26, 2011 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
watch the Packer wr cuts closely
wr coach Robinson knows them pretty good and a guy like West or Swain.
I guess we'll see how it goes tonight
another game without Austin, and one that in theory has the starters from both teams going at least the entire first half. If Romo goes 12-8-58-1-1 again, with an interception that is attributable to inexperienced receivers, then maybe it will be time to start worrying for real.
No Veterans needed at this point.
For too long, we have brought in veterans to play, instead of giving the young guys a chance on the field. We are a talented team, the only question we have at Offensive skilled positions is depth.
Dez had a nice game last night without Miles on the field. He should continue to show us that he is a true beast.
Witten does what he does (and does it well).
Felix and Murray will help in the passing attack.
Ogltree, Harris, Radway, etc. are talented, just looking a little raw at this point.
Guys like Manny Johnson and Jesse Holley are making pretty good arguments to stick around.
We should be just fine without having to sign any veteran WRs, barring some major injury to our primary weapons.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Blogging The Boys
Related FanShots on Blogging The Boys
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Things to know about NFL men who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam
- How Kyle Orton almost cost the Colts Andrew Luck
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
